description

Product Description

Experience a keyboard workstation unlike any other that has come before! The Roland FA-08 is destined to not only become the most versatile addition to your project studio, but your most satisfying performance instrument as well. Roland’s Ivory Feel-G keybed offers an exceptional playing experience for professional keyboardists as well as aspiring enthusiasts. Its escapement action accurately recreates the movement and resistance of the keys on a traditional grand piano - each of the 88 individual keys emulate the touch and feel of an authentic piano key. The FA-08 also offers a staggering array of innovative features designed to satisfy the needs of the modern musician. Roland has managed to harness a treasure trove of musical production power that is easily accessible via its logical, streamlined interface featuring a 5-inch color LCD screen. American Musical Supply is proud to be your source for the Roland FA-08 – the latest advancement in keyboard workstations!

Roland FA-08 Music Workstation Features

88-key Ivory Feel-G keyboard with natural escapement

128 Voices (Max.) / 16 Parts

Full Effects Suite: 16 Independent MFX, Overall TFX; plus new DJ FX

Single-button DAW integration (Ableton Live; Cubase; Sonar; Logic)

Over 2000 Tones from the Flagship INTEGRA-7 Roland sound engine

All of the INTEGRA-7 SuperNATURAL Synth offerings

SuperNATURAL Acoustic tones and Drum Kits

All of the XV-5080 PCM data + PCM Drum Kits

2 expansion slots; downloads available at Axial website

16 Track MIDI Sequencer

Loop, Real-time, Step Time

Export tracks as MIDI or audio data

Rhythm Pattern, Chord Memory, Arpeggiator functions

Built-in Sampler (16-bit/44.1 kHz) based on the SP-404SX

Powerful Control Surface

5" full-color LCD panel

4 x 4 sampler pad matrix

6 Preset/Assignable Sound Modify knobs

D-Beam controller; 2-axis bender; 2 assignable switches

Versatile Audio/USB connections

Dig In Roland has armed the FA-08 with a full 88-key version of their Ivory Feel-G keybed for an authentic and expressive piano feel. Inside are thousands of the finest Roland tones amassed from their flagship line of synthesizer products. Assignable ‘Sound Modify’ knobs provide the type of hands-on tone-tweaking that modern sound designers and artists crave. But legendary workstations are made from more than sounds and keys. With the FA-08, Roland has brought together the latest music-making tools that today’s composers, performers, and producers have come to rely on – both in the studio and on the concert stage. Onboard effects are available to enhance each and every sound, as well as the entire performance. A built-in pad-based sampler expands the sound palette to include grooves, hits, vocal cues, and sound effects. In addition to traditional step-time and real-time modes, the multi-track sequencer now includes an inspiring auto-loop mode so the music never stops while you build up your tracks. Plus, the FA-08 features a vide variety of exclusive extras, including single-button DAW integration and the exclusive Roland D-Beam. The clean design and logical flow of the panel layout and informative color display place all of this production power right at your fingertips. So go ahead…dig in!

Best of the Best
Roland’s breathtaking SuperNATURAL acoustic tones preserve the unique articulation, ornamentation, and acoustic signature of each sound to deliver an expressive and authentic performance – including the SuperNATURAL pianos, which are ideally suited to the FA-08’s Ivory Feel-G keyboard. In addition to the pianos, the Roland FA-08 includes SuperNATURAL organs, strings, bass, drums, and many other tones. On the synthesizer side, SuperNATURAL technology captures the unique flavor of the filters and other sound-modifying circuitry from iconic synths throughout the years. Altogether, the FA-08 includes over 2000* professionally-programmed tones, all categorized for easy access. Many of these sounds have been carefully collected from the flagship Roland INTEGRA-7 synthesizer module, including all of the aforementioned SuperNATURAL synth sounds. In the memory banks of the FA-08, you’ll also find all of the sought-after PCM data from Roland’s XV-5080. Tones can be played individually; played together as splits or layers; or called up in 16-part Studio Sets for sequencing or multi-zoned performances. Tone Remain technology ensures smooth transitions from sound to sound, with no dropouts or truncated effect tails. Two expansion slots are available for storing additional tones. Data can be downloaded for free from the Roland Axial online sound library, and written (via USB flash) to the empty locations. * GM compatible sounds are included.

Integrated Effects
In today’s popular music environment, effects play an increasingly essential role in the creation of a unique, attention-grabbing sound. The Roland FA-08 features 16 individual MFX (Multi-Effect) processors; one can be assigned to each track of a sequence or each tone in a Studio Set Each provides 67 distinct effect types – including a vocoder (assignable to Part 1 only). Six COMP+EQ (Compression + Equalization) processors are also available and can be freely assigned. The TFX (Total Effects) section provides 29 effect types. Global EQ, Chorus, and Reverb offer you a final level of sound-shaping to maximize sonic impact. New DJ-style effects such as Isolator and Looper add an aggressive EDM element to your performance. The Sound Modify knobs allow the effect settings to be tweaked in real-time for added expression.

Enter the Matrix
Audio sampling is one of the most important production tools, both on stage and in the studio. Based on the impressive Roland SP-404SX standalone sampler, the Roland FA-08 incorporates an 8-voice sampler that provides of CD-quality, 16-bit linear/44.1 kHz recording. Add hits, phrases, sound effects, vocal cues, and other audio goodies to your session. Samples can be recorded using the internal sounds or from an external source. The sampler can also play existing files in .WAV, AIFF, and MP3 formats. Sixteen illuminated sample playback pads are presented in the 4 x 4 matrix familiar to most sampler users. The sample pads can be played in performance, used when recording a sequence, or can operate as triggers with DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software using the DAW Control button. Four banks of pad assignments are saved per song, and samples can be saved, stored, and played directly from an SDHC card, eliminating load times. A 4GB SDHC card is pre-installed in your new FA-08. Rear panel connections provide Mic, Guitar, and Line inputs.

Sequencer Central
The heart of any workstation is the sequencer; the place where individual musical ideas come together to create song sketch or your next magnum opus. In addition to traditional real-time and step-time sequencer entry, the Roland FA-08 has added a loop mode to the built-in sixteen-track sequencer that allows continuous, uninterrupted recording. This intuitive extra allows the sequencer to play in a continuous loop as you lay down multiple parts by switching tracks and instruments, all without losing your groove. Recorded tracks can be mixed and edited into a final production, plus they can be saved, shared, and exported as MIDI or audio files. In addition to the internal sequencer, the Roland FA-08 can also take command of your DAW software program, right from the front panel. Simply touch the DAW Control button and select your preferred software — Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Sonar, etc. — the tracks, pads, knobs, transport, and controller functions are instantly and ideally configured.

Top Performer
The Roland FA-08 Music Workstation invites you to create your most inspired performance. Enjoy the natural touch of the 88 Ivory Feel-G keys. The sampler pads allow the introduction of grooves, vocal cues, sound FX, and drum and bass hits, plus a variety of other events to liven up your sound. Time-saving rhythm patterns, the arpeggiator, and chord memory features all provide a professional edge to your productions. The multi-function Sound Modify knobs default to traditional sound editing functions such as filter cutoff, attack, panning, etc., but can also be assigned for real-time analog-knob style tone-tweaking, effect parameters – even EQ. The sixteen-part Studio Sets now include additional MIDI data for using the FA-08 to command a custom rig of keyboards, synthesizers, and other audio modules. In performance, the FA-08 offers a two-axis bender, two assignable switches, and Roland’s exclusive D-Beam for adding pitch bend, modulation or manipulating other sound parameters on the fly for unmatched expression. The latest D-Beam includes a dedicated two-oscillator Solo Synth, for almost Theremin-esque solos that can be layered on top of any performance.

Stay Connected
On the concert stage, in the studio, in the dorm, or on the go, the Roland FA-08 has what you need to get connected. First and foremost, the FA-08 is equipped with balanced 1/4" TRS jacks for the main Left and Right outputs. The Sub output is provided by a stereo 1/4" jack, as is the Headphone monitor jack. There are two audio inputs. First is a 1/4" jack with a Guitar/Mic level switch and a variable level knob. Second is a 1/8" stereo input. Three pedal jacks are provided; one is dedicated to the Hold function, the remaining two are assignable. Five-pin MIDI In and Out ports allow direct (non-computer) connection to other MIDI devices. There are two USB Ports; one provides a direct connection to the computer, the other allows the FA-08 to receive software updates. The SDHC slot comes with a security shield that The SDHC slot is equipped with a security shield to prevent unauthorized removal of the card when your workstation is left unattended.

The Roland is an exceptional workstation...that is is easy to learn the different functions and controls. The sound quality of the many instruments are high and very realistic and inspire creativity.

Carlos DJ Hut Hutley
Submitted: 3/5/2019

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All I ever dreamed and more...

What is your opinion of this product?

In order to get into the game, you'll need a work station that can handle high demands. Roland is a industry leader in music creation technology.

Doug Sharpe
Submitted: 1/6/2019

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Fantastic FA-08!!!

What is your opinion of this product?

The best composing keyboard at its price point! Very happy with the FA-08, and sale through Musical Supply

John Price
Submitted: 1/5/2019

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Well worth my money

What is your opinion of this product?

Works great

Rock and Roll Bob
Submitted: 12/27/2018

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Guitar Slinger's Review

What is your opinion of this product?

I've been wanting a workstation since 1981 or so. I get a few bits/ideas and try to marry them together type of thing. I also wanted a better way to create some kind of backing drum tracks to practice different guitar things that aren't "canned" a la jamplay.
I'm really impressed by how easy it is to navigate for sounds...sequencer and looping still getting the hang of, but my first thought was how much easier its going to be for DAW usage. I'm not that great at that, either.
Have to throw this in there...my Parrot goes crazy when I just turn the thing on. That's how rich the sound is. She'll do the River Kwai theme before the monitors even get powered up!

Mickey Miorandi
Submitted: 12/10/2018

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Love my 88's !!!!

What is your opinion of this product?

I was wanting to add a nice WorkStation/Synth with 88 keys to my set up. I couldn't be happier with this Roland. I am mainly a synth player, used to playing with the so called 'Synth Keys'. But I wanted this 88 to play like a piano. The Real Deal. And it does the job nicely. It was not that hard for me to adapt to the keys, and I can still do my Hammond B3 Organ rolls on it, so all is fine. I have not yet began to scratch the surface of what all this amazing machine can do and create, but I am sure excited to find out. Thanks again AMS !!!! You guys Rock !!!!

Keith Lovely
Submitted: 11/7/2018

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More than worth the money

What is your opinion of this product?

From mixing to sampling to just simple playing chords melody lines over any instrument the FA-08 is king. It’s simple very user friendly. I only have one gripe the instruction manual doesn’t graze the surface of what it can do. Further explaining of all features are needed

Staley
Submitted: 9/5/2018

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Amazing

What is your opinion of this product?

I’ve wlways been a Yamaha type of person, but I decided to step out my comfort zone and try a new brand. My AMS representative also expanded my knowledge on this Roland Keyboard and sealed the deal. I love the feel of this instrument and the natural sounds it has compares to none. Thank you AMS for convincing me to step out my comfort zone!

Declan Kelley
Submitted: 7/24/2018

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Awesome Keyboard keeps me busy

What is your opinion of this product?

Great sounding instrument. Well worth the money. Looks beautiful and I can take it anywhere.

Hien ksor
Submitted: 7/21/2018

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Great company to shop for musical equipments; and the payment plan are great!!!

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